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Today is the 6th January 2009
For New Year 2009, Resolve to Be a Smarter Consumer
Besides resolving to lose weight, pay off your credit card debt and clean out the garage, pencil in a New Year’s resolution to be a smarter consumer beginning in 2009. As Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), I often work with the staff of our Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA) and have seen for myself some of the many hazards that consumers may encounter in the marketplace. It does take a little extra effort to be a well-informed consumer, but it is well worth it. The consequences of inattention can be disastrous, including a depleted bank account, ruined credit and lost time.
So, with the New Year upon us and the thought of being a smarter consumer in mind, I asked OCA to provide an overview of current consumer scams you should be aware of, as well as a list of proactive steps you can take to help prevent problems down the road. Let’s begin with three fraudulent activities that you could easily encounter:
News Section: Consumer Information,
How to Protect Yourself from Harassment by Debt Collectors
In today’s challenging economy, consumers who are struggling to make timely payments on their debts may find themselves harassed by unscrupulous debt collectors. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (VDACS) Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA) says if this describes your situation regarding personal, family or household debts, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (Act) may provide assistance in your dealings with a deceptive, abusive or unfair debt collector.
News Section: Consumer Information,
NOVEC Returns $1.53 Million to Customers
Northern Virginia, December 5th--Despite a slowing of the Northern Virginia economy, the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative board of directors authorized on Dec. 4, 2008, a special $1.53 million CashBack refund to customer-owners. Refund credits will appear on customers’ December bills. The refund brings NOVEC’s total CashBack to customers in 2008 to approximately $26.5 million.
News Section: Consumer Information,
Join the Celebration of December, Virginia Christmas Tree Month
Governor Timothy M. Kaine has proclaimed December Virginia Christmas Tree Month and in his proclamation, has invited all Virginians to celebrate this special occasion.
Todd P. Haymore, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) observed, “There are numerous reasons to celebrate Virginia Christmas trees including economic, environmental and aesthetic. But probably the most important reason is family tradition. Since the 1840s, when they were first introduced in Williamsburg, fresh, fragrant, locally grown Christmas trees have been the traditional centerpiece of the holiday season for families across the Commonwealth. As so many Virginians can attest, this is a tradition well worth continuing.”
News Section: Consumer Information,
McDonnell Urges Parents to Check Ratings When Purchasing Video Games
RICHMOND — Attorney General Bob McDonnell today urged parents and other consumers to check the Entertainment Software Rating Board rating before purchasing computer or video games as gifts.
The rating symbols are on the bottom corner of the front of the box covering a video game. They range from “EC” for early childhood, and “E” for everyone, to “M” for mature. The ratings also include age-appropriate content descriptions, such as “E 10+ for cartoon violence.”
News Section: Consumer Information,
Feather Your Nest to Stay Warm This Winter
NORTHERN VIRGINIA-- The Farmers’ Almanac predicts this winter will be “numbing.” It tells consumers to prepare for the worst. Birds fly south for the winter, but Northern Virginians who don’t have wings should feather their nests now to save energy and stay warm. The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative recommends the following energy-saving ideas.
News Section: Consumer Information,
Is Your Car Ready for Thanksgiving?
MANASSAS, VA - As Americans get ready for Thanksgiving, car care tops the list of pre-holiday preparations, according to a survey conducted by the Car Care Council.
Both men and women say they are more likely to make sure the car taking them to Thanksgiving dinner is prepared for the trip (66 percent) than they are to iron tablecloths (18 percent) or polish silver (12 percent) in advance of the holiday meal. Jim Drollinger, Owner of J&J Automotive Services says, "All car owners should practice preventive maintenance especially during the busy travel season."
News Section: Consumer Information,
Help the Needy Pay Home Heating Bills
NORTHERN VIRGINIA—The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative is asking the Northern Virginia community to help local needy families heat their homes this winter.
NOVEC customer-owners can easily donate to the fund by authorizing NOVEC to round up their monthly electric bills to the next dollar. For example, if the bill is $69.54, NOVEC will round it up to $70 and put the extra 46¢ in the Operation Round Up fund. Customers who participate donate on average approximately $6 a year.
News Section: Consumer Information,
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